SERVICES + PROCESS
How We Work Together
A clear, collaborative path from your first idea to your finished home.
Renovating or building a home is a complex journey—zoning codes, building science, budgets, and thousands of decisions. You shouldn’t have to navigate that alone. My role is to be your advocate and expert guide, bridging the gap between your vision and the technical realities of getting it built.
Comfort & Sustainability as Design Principles
At the heart of every project is a commitment to comfort and thoughtful performance. True luxury in a home isn’t about size or finishes — it’s about how the space feels to live in every day, how it responds to the seasons, and how it supports your life now and into the future.
This design philosophy guides all my work: prioritizing thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and long-term performance through careful attention to how a home is assembled, insulated, and detailed. Whether improving an existing home or creating a new one, this approach naturally leads to spaces that are quieter, easier to live in, and less resource-intensive over time.
If you’d like a deeper look at how comfort and sustainability shape my work, you can read the journal entry
The Process
Every successful project begins with a clear plan.
My goal is to make the process collaborative and transparent—so you always feel confident about what comes next. Because every project is unique, timelines vary based on scope, complexity, and the pace of our collaboration.
As we begin, you’ll also receive my Client Welcome Document—a simple guide that outlines what to expect, how we’ll communicate, and how to prepare for a smooth, stress-free design process.
01
Connect – Let’s Start the Conversation.
We begin with a consultation to discuss your goals, priorities, and budget. This is our "chemistry check" to ensure we are a good fit. Afterward, you receive a custom proposal with a clear roadmap for the work ahead.
Estimated Timeline: 1–2 Weeks
02
Discover – the reality check.
I dive into your property’s true potential. For remodels, I document existing conditions—structure, systems, and layout. We review zoning and codes early so the design starts on a solid, buildable foundation.
Estimated Timeline: 2–4 Weeks
03
Design – Exploring possibilities.
This is the fun part. Through sketches, floor plans, and 3D visuals, we explore options that enhance light, flow, and functionality. We refine the design together until it fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Estimated Timeline: 4–8 Weeks
04
Develop – integrating the science.
With the design direction in place, attention shifts to how the home will perform day to day. I integrate building-science strategies—insulation, air sealing, and mechanical coordination—to improve comfort, efficiency, and resilience over time, while finalizing materials that balance beauty with durability.
Estimated Timeline: 4–8 Weeks
05
Document – The Blueprint.
I translate the design into a comprehensive set of technical drawings. This documentation is essential for accurate contractor bids and city review. I manage the coordination and the red tape so you don’t have to.
Estimated Timeline: 6–10 Weeks
(Plus city review time)
06
Build – Bringing it to life.
Construction is where everything comes together. I serve as your resource during the build—answering questions, solving site surprises, and ensuring the final result matches the quality we planned.
Estimated Timeline: Varies by Scope
(Typically 6–12+ months)
Core Services
My expertise spans the full life cycle of a home—from deep energy retrofits that revive older houses to custom homes designed for the future. No matter the scale, every service is grounded in building science and tailored to the way you actually live.
Aging-in-Place Design
Design that supports independence and dignity.
Aging-in-Place isn’t about making your home look clinical; it’s about making it quietly supportive. As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), I design spaces that enhance independence and dignity without sacrificing style.
I use universal design principles—curbless showers, wider hallways, intuitive lighting—that feel luxurious today and essential tomorrow. My goal is to remove barriers before you even notice them, allowing you to stay in the home and neighborhood you love.
Perfect for: Homeowners planning their 'forever home' and families creating safe, dignified, and beautiful spaces for multigenerational living.
Transform your home into a high-performance sanctuary.
Older Colorado homes often struggle with drafts, uneven temperatures, and high energy bills. My approach to Deep Energy Retrofits solves these problems at the source.
As a Certified Passive House Designer, I view your home as a complete ecosystem. By upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, and optimizing mechanical systems, we don’t just lower your bills—we create a thermal envelope that keeps your home exceptionally quiet, healthy, and consistently comfortable year-round.
Perfect for: Homeowners who love their location but are tired of living with the drafts, dust, and cold rooms of an older home.
Reimagine your home without starting over.
Sometimes the house you have is just a few smart design moves away from being the house you need. Whether you are craving a sun-filled kitchen or an addition that finally completes the floor plan, I help unlock the hidden potential of your existing footprint.
I respect the integrity of the original structure while introducing modern function, natural light, and logic. We go beyond surface-level fixes to solve daily frustrations—bottlenecks, dark corners, and awkward circulation—creating a home that flows beautifully and works for the way you live.
Common Projects: Kitchen and bath transformations, pop-tops, additions, and main-level reconfigurations.
Smart, flexible spaces for family, guests, or income.
From backyard cottages to basement apartments, ADUs add value and versatility—but they’re not simple. Zoning, setbacks, utilities, and permitting all play major roles.
I design compact spaces that feel spacious and comfortable, maximizing every square foot. I also guide you through feasibility, code requirements, and city review to ensure your ADU is truly buildable.
Perfect for: Multi-generational families, guest suites, or homeowners seeking rental income.
From vision to reality—a home designed uniquely around you.
Building a new home is a major life milestone. I guide you through the entire journey, translating ideas into a cohesive, high-performance design tailored to your site and lifestyle.
We begin with how you live—how you wake up, cook, work, and gather. Then I layer in building science so your home is not just beautiful on day one, but durable, quiet, and efficient for decades.
Construction cost note:
Custom homes in the Denver metro area typically range from $400–$700 per sq ft, depending on site conditions, finish level, and sustainability goals.
Investment Guide
Every project is unique. Fees are tailored to your goals, scope, and desired level of detail—ensuring you receive exactly the support you need.
In-Home Consultation
Perfect for: Homeowners seeking expert insight before committing to a project.
I meet at your property to discuss goals, assess feasibility, and offer immediate guidance on layout, comfort, and energy improvements.
Investment: Starting at $350 for up to 2 hours
RENOVATION & PERMIT DESIGNS
Perfect for: Kitchens, baths, and interior reconfigurations.
A focused service providing schematic design and permit-ready drawings for your contractor.
Investment: 7–11% of construction cost
(Typical project: $50k–$200k)
FULL SERVICE ARCHITECTURE
Perfect for: Additions, deep energy retrofits, and new custom homes.
My signature, start-to-finish service—from first sketch through construction.
Investment: 9–14% of construction cost
(Typical project: $200k–$1M+)
PASSIVE HOUSE & HIGH PERFORMANCE DESIGN
Perfect for: Clients prioritizing sustainability, health, and extreme energy efficiency.
Includes energy modeling and targeted strategies for Passive House or EnerPHit-level performance.
Investment: 12–18% of construction cost
(Custom proposal)
Hourly Consulting — $175/hr
Used for documenting existing conditions, permitting support, construction observation, finishes, or additional design studies.
Getting Started
A retainer of 10–15% of the estimated design fee reserves your place on my schedule. It is credited back on your final invoice.
Construction Cost Guidelines
Denver Metro 2025 averages (excluding land + design fees):
-
Remodels: $300–$500/sf
-
New Custom Homes: $400–$700/sf
What Clients Say
“Marissa has designed two projects for us and the results and entire experience from start to finish have been far above expectations.”
— Cindy O., Denver
Collaboration You Can Count On
Every project is unique—and so is every client. I believe the best results come from open communication, transparency, and teamwork.
From concept through construction, I work closely with you, your builder, and your consultants to ensure the process feels clear, creative, and supported. Together, we will create a home that is more than beautiful—it is built for your life.